No choice anymore; I HAVE to get the seat re-padded. Anyone used the pre-formed foam from Mid Fiftys? Comments? Quality? I can't decide whether to buy the pre-formed or to have the upholsterer cut the foam himself. Any comments appreciated.

 

I bought a whole set kit from Mid-fifty. I went for the thicker foam which they said wasn't that great for big people. I'm 6'7" and have no problem with it. The seat cover fits great and the foam is firm and supportive. The only problem I had was getting the back support back on without tearing the seat bottom cover because it was so tight. The upholstery place I used made some plastic washer shaped things that fit between the metal support of the back rest and the side of the seat bottom cover and keeps it from rubbing and tearing the fabric. They fit over the pin that holds the back onto the seat bottom frame.

 

I heard about somewhere online selling that memory foam stuff; you know, what the high-dollar mattresses are made of? They sell it in blocks for you to do whatever with. You supposedly can cut it to fit just about anything, but for the life of me, I can't remember where I heard that...not even sure that stuff would make a good seat cushion anyway...may have permanent butt prints in the seat...

 

My foam is 3 different densities and the leather and the inserts were ( are ) real tight, but I used waxed paper between to act as a slip. The paper can be left in but you will hear it ( temp ) if you are using fabric. It can be taken out if you put it in long ways so you can reach it from the back and bottom prior to hog ring/sewing. It just an old production trick from the suppliers to Detroit. Some guys also reverse the cover and install over the foam like a pillowcase. If you are using vinyl, then just heat with a blow dryer prior to install.

 

OK, I'm ordering in the morning. Thanks, guys! Always grateful for tips and tricks.

 

I would bet that your local upholstery guy will do it right and be cheaper than ordering it. Did you check around with your local upholstery shops for prices?

 

Sure did. MidFifty can ship it less expensively than he can cut it. Only question was if the foam was high-quality and firm enough. The local fella is going to make the cover for me because I didn't like any of what the catalogs had to show.

I'm in good hands, he's rebuilt a couple of 56's of his own

 

Interesting, yet I'm not surprised. I have used 2 different upholstery shops and they are consistently cheaper than ordering foam and or seat covers for any car/truck I have had done.

 

Bought Mid-Fifty foam for my 55 and had a local upolstry shop make the cover from original material and vinyl got elsewhere. Seat is great and no negative comments.

Fred

 

I've been considering a re-working of my seat back to make it thinner. In the search for foam I ran across this place: http://yourautotrim-store.stores.yah...oamsheets.html Their prices seem pretty fair, for all that I can tell (I haven't looked at the mid-fifty foam). Anyway, it's another option for foam and materials.

 

The past 4 total projects in the last 3 years have all been less money overall at the upholstery shop than mail/catalogue order. Always guaranteed as well. As for the foam, you get to sit in and then select as most shops have various densities in stock.
Can't lose.

 

One tip I picked up from a friend; aircraft seat foam comes in all the same densities and such as automotive, but is fire-rated. It won't torch off as fast and doesn't produce near the toxic fumes if it does burn. Apparently automotive foam really takes off if it catches fire.

 

That's true, but there's a downside. Anything that's aircraft related is going to cost you. You could put 2 identical bolts next to each other. The one on the right costs $.75 at Lowe's, but the one on the left is a super special "aircraft" bolt and you'll have to pay $5.00 for it. Just make sure it is what they say it is before you shell out the extra bucks.

 

I just had my seat redone by a guy at work and i love it. White and blue ultra leather with 2"hd foam and 2" memory foam and it is nice and soft but still supportive